By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against crude oil theft under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, dismantling three reactivated illegal refining sites and recovering 61,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, targeted illegal refining infrastructure linked to crude oil theft.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation led to the discovery and deactivation of three newly established illegal refining camps.
Folorunsho disclosed that personnel recovered about 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs.
He said the total volume of petroleum products recovered during the operation stood at 61,000 litres.
The Navy noted that the latest discovery highlights the persistent efforts of crude oil theft syndicates to revive illegal refining operations despite sustained military pressure.
It recalled that similar illegal refining facilities were dismantled in the same area in July 2026, describing the latest operation as further evidence of the determination of criminal networks to resume illicit activities.
According to the statement, the Navy’s sustained operational presence across identified hotspots continues to deny economic saboteurs the opportunity to rebuild their networks while protecting critical national assets.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at dismantling illegal refining infrastructure, disrupting crude oil theft networks and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to boost oil production and strengthen economic security.
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